May 30, 2013
May 23, 2013
May 18, 2013
Library Summer Reading: What do YOU like?
Summer Reading Season is almost here! I've checked out a lot of library summer reading programs over the years, and I wanted to get your opinions regarding these programs: whether you've ever taken part in one, what your favorite parts are--and your fantasies of a "perfect" library summer reading program.
I was surprised to learn that library summer reading programs of one kind or another have been with us for well over a hundred years. I wasn't around back then, but I think it's safe to say summer at the library has changed quite a bit over the years! Summer programs' goals of preventing summer learning loss, encouraging the joy of reading, and helping fill those long hours take many forms--and these days, many libraries include adults in the summer reading fun, as well. I think that's a vital component: if the adults don't model a love of reading, the kids are less likely to follow suit.
The core of a summer reading program is a reading log and a prize. Libraries vary in how they measure what is read: books, pages, time spent reading. The culminating prize--and my favorite--at most libraries seems to be a book. How great to get a congratulations from the librarian, and then get to explore the available books on the cart--and pick one to take home "for keeps!" For me, it's the one prize that makes perfect sense. Give me a dinner on the town, sure; a trip to Borneo, yes, please--but definitely give me my choice of a book for finishing the reading game!
Of course, prizes depend upon a library's budget, and library budgets (many of them) have fallen upon hard times. Donations from local vendors makes up much in the way of prizes for some programs: pizzas, burgers, etc. A library might throw down for some little trinkets along the way, many purchased from party catalogs or from the same organization from which they purchased their annual theme (the themes you'll see at most libraries this year are "Dig into Reading," or "Reading is So Delicious"). Libraries with a budget can actually go shopping. They can decide what their communities would love, without having to fully rely upon what might be donated to them from a business interest.
Okay, so reading & prizes. But wait, there's more! Storytimes, of course, plus crafts, and special events. Some libraries will show movies, and many have performers and presenters. During many summer reading programs, you can see more assemblies than children do in multiple school years: animal presentations, storytellers, puppet shows, music programs, cultural presentations, magic shows--most with elements designed to address common core state standards in education.
Sad to say, not all libraries can afford this multitude of special events. Some do not even have the budget for a single full-priced event. Spend enough time online exploring various libraries' event offerings, and you will discover that some libraries actually have "The Hamburger Clown" as their special performer. You know who I mean. He might read to the kids, do a trick, give a prize--his people say he supports literacy, but... well, you fill in the blanks, there.
A lucky library is one that can depend upon its Friends. The Friends of the Library (some libraries are lucky enough to have more than one support group, such as a Library Foundation), through memberships, book sales, and other fundraising activities, keep their communities afloat in tough times. A library might survive without its Friends--but it wouldn't be pretty. During most events at the library, you'll hear the facilitator thanking the Friends group, because they are the source of funds for those wonderful, fun & educational programs I mentioned earlier.
In my desire to give a few examples, and a little context, I drifted from what I told you I wanted to do here: to get your opinions regarding library summer reading programs!
Have you sampled Summer Reading Games at various libraries? What do you like best? What do you like least? If YOU were to design a library summer reading program, what would it look like? I'm interested in hearing about your dream program at the library--and how you think it could happen.
Please, chime in!
May 06, 2013
Upcoming Events
Storytimes at the Livermore & Menlo Park Libraries are in brown; storytelling events are in red. Keep checking in for updates!
Tuesday, May 7
Thursday, May 9
Friday, May 10
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
Bilingual Storytimes:
10:30am Baby/Toddler
11am Preschool
**FINAL STORYTIMES OF LIVERMORE SPRING SESSION**
Saturday, May 11
Storytelling for Santa Clara County Reading Council Young Authors' Faire
Storytelling for Santa Clara County Reading Council Young Authors' Faire
1721 E. San Antonio Rd., San Jose
9:45 & 10:30
9:45 & 10:30
Monday, May 13
Thursday, May 16
11:15am Toddler Storytime
2:15pm Preschool Storytime
Thursday, May 23
11:15am Toddler Storytime
2:15pm Preschool Storytime
Thursday, May 30
11:15am Toddler Storytime
2:15pm Preschool Storytime
Thursday, June 6
Thursday, June 13
Wednesday, June 19
Campbell Library
77 Harrison Ave., Campbell
Storytelling at 3:30pm
Thursday, June 20
Menlo Park Library
11:15am Toddler Storytime
2:15pm Preschool Storytime
Friday, June 21
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Saturday, June 22
Sunday, June 23
Sunday, June 23
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30pm each day
(weather dependent)
Thursday, June 27
Menlo Park Library
11:15am Toddler Storytime
2:15pm Preschool Storytime
Friday, June 28
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Friday, July 5
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Wednesday, July 10
San Luis Obispo Library
995 Palm St.
Storytelling at 10:30am
Thursday, July 11
Atascadero Library at Colony Park Community Center
5599 Traffic Wy
Storytelling at 11am
Thursday, July 11
Paso Robles Library
1000 Spring Street
Storytelling at 1 & 3pm
Saturday, July 27
SPECIAL EVENT: SLEEPOVER STORYTELLING
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Contact park about their special sleepovers, which include puppet shows, rides, and other overnight fun!
Wednesday, July 31
Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Ave.
Storytelling at 3pm
Saturday, August 31
Sunday, September 1
Sunday, September 1
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30pm & 2:30pm (different stories each time), weather-dependent.
Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education for Ayers Elementary, Cupertino Cooperative Nursery School, Congregational Church of San Mateo, Burbank Elementary, Walters Junior High, Tutor Time, Blacow Elementary, Acorn Learning Center, Children's Creative Learning Centers, Heads Up, Montevideo Elementary, Fremont Unified School District, Live Oak Elementary, Belmont Oaks Academy, Bright Horizons, & La Petite Academy. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!
Check out the new book: How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling (link HERE)!
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